Appreciate the shout out in the video. Been a JMG fan for a few years now. The bikes I've had since that covid scare you mentioned are as follows...Lets see...in order... 2006 Victory Jackpot (thought this was exactly what I wanted. It was for a minute) 1985 Honda 700 Magna (to teach my boys how to ride) 2008 Yamaha vstar 1300 (like the floorboards and windshield for longer rides) 2012 Victory cross country (liked the fairing, bags, cruise control and abs) 2006 Suzuki M109R (too good of a deal to pass up and always liked them) 2008 Yamaha Stratoliner (too good of a deal to pass up and always wanted to try one) 2014 Victory Cross country tour (good deal, everything Ioved about the cross country plus a trunk, heated seat, heated grips and hard lowers) 2015 Yamaha FJR (wanted something fast and realized I didn't really need the trunk and all the stuff on the big bike) 2013 Victory cross country (the FJR was a blast but I could not get comfortable on it so went back to what I know best)
I bought a used, low mileage Victory Vision Tour 4 1/2 years ago after surviving a nearly fatal case of Stage 4 Liver Cancer. I was 65 years old at the time and had not touched a motorcycle since my 20's. I still own it and it has been faithful and dependable friend. It got me through what I call "PCSB" (Post Cancer Stress Brain). Muscling that beast around brought back my strength and stamina. Being rather tall at 6'4"+ and stout at 280lbs it fit me perfectly at the time. I needed to do no mods to make it comfortable and have ridden it for everything from work commutes to trips to Sturgis. I even put a skid plate underneath it to protect it better when I have had to ride off pavement with it. Yes, I have ridden off road with it and never had it go down. The Vision still looks as good as the day I bought it. I have decided this year to buy an ADV motorcycle, since I have need for a more versatile and lighter motorcycle and the Vision will be sold. I would keep it if I could, but lack sufficient space in my garage for two motorcycles since my wife and son also have motorcycles. I have been offered very good prices for my Vic and they are still in demand up here in SD. It is a a painful parting, and like a first love will never be forgotten, but life moves on. Polaris did good with the Victory and I am thankful for it. If I ever get another big V-twin, it will likely be an Indian!
I have had three victory cross country’s, currently have a 15 cross country with motor work. Love this platform. Rode over 180k on victory cross country’s and never had an issue, brakes oil changes and spark plugs.
I have an 07 Jackpot & love it. Only thing replaced was the starter 2yrs ago, rest is just regular maintenance. I’m coming up on 100,000 miles this summer. We don’t have the weather to ride all year round living in Canada.
Yes one can see some Victory DNA in these models, especially the Power Plus 108 motor which probably would have been the new motor for the Victory line up had they continued. I do see more Harley type styling in the bags. The Victory Cross Country (I own a 2014 Cross Country - Havasu Red) and Cross Country Tour had more saddlebag storage and tourer pack storage than any other motorcycle and very distinct styling. I remember when I bought mine in 2017 and all my Harley buddies called it a Jetson Bike, although I think that term really applies to the Victory Vision.
Long story short, the Challenger is the evolution of the late design of the Victory, it just got put aside while Polaris established the Indian brand in the market.
I had a 2012 Cross Country Tour and it was far and away the best bike I have ever had. With the trunk off I thought the Vision was one sexy bike. Easy to work on and very reliable, great handling and super comfy. They could have kept it, like Chevy and Cadillac.
Hi there! I am Sebastian from Singapore and just got myself the Victory Vegas Highball 2015. Awesome bike to ride and just love the styling! Apart from this, i do own a 2022 Road Glide Special and a Vespa as well.
I still own a 2007 Victory Kingpin. I bought it new and loved it. I still have it and though I am in my 70's can still do a 1500 km in one day. Do I love it...YES! The problem that I have is this. I have no problem with Victory. The problem that I have is with Polaris. Thet literally dumped it for Indian and expected Victory riders to go with the program...NOT! I noticed that Polaris was building according to the planned obselescence concept...in other words, make it next to impossible to acquire replacement parts and don't offer the sale of the brand. I also own a 1970 Meridan factory Triumph Bonneville and I can still buy parts at a reasonable cost. I mean EVERYTHING. The point is this...keep the passion alive. Don't drive the name completely out of existence. I will NEVER buy an Indian. Thet may be great bikes, but they are not my bike.
Was looking for a bagger last year and it was between an Indian and the Victory. Ended up with a Cheiftan because someone said with Victory no longer in production might be getting harder to find parts in the future.
Back in 2017 I visited a Victory dealership that was 45 miles from home. The owner had one more bike on his showroom floor, which was a new 2016 Hammer S. That bike just felt right as I sat on it, and after I did some research decided to make the dealership an offer...which they accepted. It's currently my only bike and I don't have any plans to sell it. I ride it about once a week and its a wonderful machine.
There was always space for Victory, Indian, and Harley. There are several reasons why Polaris dropped Victory according to them (dealerships) and I think it left a hole and Indian/Polaris realized it. They filled it with Challenger and FTR. Additionally, the new Sport Chief is more similar to the Victory Hammer S than any of the Indian models. They probably won't ever brand anything Victory again but I'm betting on more bikes with the new Power Plus 108 motor which is an upgraded Freedom 106. Feels, rides, and sounds the same. Only better. Lovey two Vics and just bought a Sport Chief. Also a Polaris/Indian tech. I do wish they would bring them back however.
My first bike was 07 Hammer with the 100, traded it in back in September for a 16 Road Glide Ultra. I miss it, such a blast to ride and it never stopped pulling, but it definitely wasn't as comfortable to ride as the Road Glide is. I had my eye on a 16 Magnum, the weekend I was going to go look at it (and probably come home with it), it sold that Friday.
@@DeathHead1358My first Vic was a '16 Magnum X1 Stealth and is still my favorite bike. I've done lots of upgrades to it and I'll never part with it. I also have a 16 Vision. She's not the prettiest girl but that big girl is the best long haul bike I've ever had. Got them both used with low milage for low cost. Only positive about Victory being cancelled.
I bought a new 2000 Sport Cruiser , had a guy named Jerry Peterson at North Star Cycles , he was on the design team , he built all the proto type exhaust systems , he put in a 2003 complete transmission , and Stage 4 with the motor , said he removed almost 10 pounds of rotating mass off the Crank , spins to 6450 rpm’s now , 112 hp , 118 ftlbs of torque on the Dyno , handles like it was Rails ! All the good stuff , from the factory , Brembo brakes , dual up front , 50 mm / 2 inch forks , rear Fox racing shock / rebuildable , but it’s the 17 inch rims front and back , with crotch rocket tires on it that makes it corner , Jerry also raised my foot pegs 1 inch and moved them forward 2 inches , now my shift pattern is backwards , 1 up , 4 down , 1/8 inch of chicken strips on the tires , but the pegs are dragging and floating , on Rails ! Motor was all machine work , P.S. Burgandy Kandy with ghost flames , rims and rotors paint to match
Hell yeah. A shame for sure. I bought my '06 Vegas 8-Ball in 2016 (amidst the sad news of it's discontinuation; I didn't back down!) after starting on a Shadow Spirit 750. Was a healthy and fun upgrade! I rode that for 7 years almost. Was a beautiful and fun bike even at only 100ci and 1600+ cc at the time. The '08 I believe is when they Vegas started coming standard with 6 speed instead of the 5 speed too. The Vegas 8-Ball will forever be a special bike for me in my journey of riding. Looking to get into Harley now and not looking back. If Polaris had not bought Indian who knows, maybe they would've focused more on their marketing and management of Victory. A boy can dream! I probably would've kept my Victory longer if they had kept the brand alive. The only issues you start to run into are lack of OEM parts. Aftermarket can be fine just don't get that crappy Chinese parts. Sad as you can't really do anything now with them computer wise as there are no more Victory dealers after their demise.. Otherwise, I MIGHT'VE kept mine.. But, it was a glorious and long 7 years with mine. So thankful it was first major bike too. So unique and I made it might own by customizing it and blacking it out. Always got compliments and always ALWAYS got questions of "Oh what's that?" or "Is that a VICTORY?" as mine had no badges so it was super sleek.. Thanks man! Hope you enjoyed Victory some too.
I own a 2009 Vision Tour and I really enjoy how this bike rides and handles. I wish that Polaris would either allow another company to make the Victory line or launch the Victory themselves again. I really love the Victory line especially the Vision Tour.
Had a 2017 victory Magnum put 39,000 miles on it never skipped a beat . Also had a 09 hammer and that was pretty much the same …. bulletproof. I have a 21 challenger now 23 sport chief, and an 23 FTR coming in the spring, on lay away . I’ve had Hondas Harleys and everything. I guess I’m a Polaris fanboy. 😂😂😂
Hi Tony here from the UK, owned loads of different bikes took a text ride on a black hammer back in 2009 been riding Victorys ever since now on my second jackpot also a member of v.o.c uk there's still a lot of people who understand what victory is about if I had to explain you wouldn't understand 😂 big shout out to all victory riders 👍
I saw Victory bikes for the first time at the Arlen Ness shop in Dublin and right then and there I knew I had to have one. I have had a love affair with Victory ever since I am on my sixth one now a 2009 Victory Vision. Some of the best bikes ever made.
I think it was a case where Victory just couldn't carve out a big enough piece of the cruiser market, a lot of the issue being too small of a dealer network and an unknown name. Polaris getting the Indian brand was a really good thing, finally saving an old company name that had been being put on all sorts of crap bikes since the 50's, and polaris has really heavily invested in Indian to where they have a better chance in the market. Our shop sold a lot of Victory bikes and we still support them, parts are still available and we still can service and repair them, we haven't abandoned the line. The indian bikes are very solid and well built and the styling is surprisingly good for making their own brand identity, something Victory had trouble with.
Victory bikes are also built better and bigger space wise I fit better being a bigger guy on a victory then a harley I had a 2018 road glide my 2014 cross country is a more comfortable bike to ride I have more leg room to stretch out I do think victory has a place in rhe market they would have been a great option for a lower trim level version of the indiansb
I think there was "room" for Victory to keep going. I'm a harley "fan boy" but I loved the victory bikes when they were still in production, hopefully polaris figures it out.
I despise the Harley brand, for what they did to their customers and potential customers in the '90s, and what they did to their bikes in the 2000s. But I love the bikes they used to make. I have a 1989 FXRS Low Rider, and a 1997 Sportster 1200. Both carbureted, both with the EVO engine, and both with lots of bright shiny paint, aluminum, and tons of chrome. Today's smooth, quiet, computerized, flat black garbage is not for me.
Polaris saw the Indian name and knew they were buying history and heritage. Victory had none of that. They figured that given Indian's history, they'd sell better. I've not ridden a Victory and never like the styling of them. I do like the Indian styling and am a big fan of the Roadmaster and Roadmaster Dark Horse. I currently have two bikes, both Yamahas. I have a 2007 Royal Star Tour Deluxe and a 2000 Royal Star Venture I bought last June 2023 that had been parked in the previous owner's garage about 4 years after he bought it new and started having health problems. The bike had 8,000 miles on it so I figured, "Why not?" it's in showroom new condition. My next bike will be an Indian.
@@JonsMotoGarageYes, I agree, that's why I bought a second one instead of an Indian. And, they sound REEEEElY good with a set of 4.5 megaphone slip ons. I've ridden my Tour Deluxe up and down the East Coast, approaching 90k miles on her. 90k of pure reliability and never stranding me.
I owned a 2014 le classic but I traded that for a 22 sup chief. Harley davidson led me to victory. Victory motorcycles made the hd brand up their game.
I think Indian wouldn't be as popular if Victory we're still being around. A good portion of the Indians technology came from the Victory brand. Obviously the newer Scouts are direct descendents of the Octane
The "Indian" branded motorcycle from Polaris wouldn't exist if the Victory wasn't a failure. The early Victorys were garbage. And the Vision was ugly. People care more about image than a perfect motorcycle.
@@guysmiley8473 Yes I agree with that but Victory was also competing with a lot of well-known companies, American and Japanese not to mention the whole chopper kick that many were watching on TV. When comparing the new bikes coming out to the older Victory line, they're pulling a lot of their features in that direction. A lot of the newer bikes have the same curves and lines and clean style like the Victory's. had. For whatever reason Harley still can't seem to streamline the tank down through the seat and have their saddlebags flow with their fenders. Victory would have also grown in engine size like all the companies of today are doing. In my opinion their bikes would have gotten better
Triumph Rocket bro.. was and still is the biggest capacity engine motorcycle, as far as I know.. would love to see you do a video on the new models .. Aussie fan out ..🎤🇦🇺🤙
I have a 2017 Cross country tour and it is the most comfortable bike i have ever rode , and i had Kawasaki Vulcan, Honda Aero, Harley Duce , and the Victory you can ride all day and not even think about comfort, and Power is Great. Ride 1 and you will own 1.
I have the same 2013 Victory Cross Country (including color), I haven't made any changes to the bike, other than getting an oil change. I LOVE this bike, [Comfortable, reliable, good looking, etc)
I love the dual front brake rotors hammer 106 post 2011(granny upgrade ) Would like to see Indian introduce something to compete with Harley Eliminator.
I have a 2017 Cross Country Tour and has Kawasaki, Honda, and yes a Harley and this is the most comfortable for long rides with all the extras, vents, heat and kicking radio and most of all the power , for a 900 lb bike it moves, . I love it had since new when price dropped, Ride it like you stole it.
I am not into cruisers but Victorys were getting interesting. The HD crowd claims to be about unique individualism but the bikes and uniforms usually worn all look the same. Victory made some really unique bikes. Glad you are getting over kungflu. It hurt and killed many who I know. I never got it myself, and I am and always will be unvacced.
i bought a new indian scout2022 and my indian dealer said victory bikes are hard for parts except the engine parts not sure if thats true im not in the states im in new zealand i do see some on the road but not alot
The only reason that Indian stopped selling Victory Models is because the Indian Models were selling much better. They had planned to continue both or wind down Victory over a longer period of time. Why did Harley Davidson spend $116 Million to close the New Buell Factory in WI ?
Brought my 09 vic vision in 2019 done 30k miles since then and never had a better bike. Take the tour pack off and it's a good looking bagger. Bring back Victory 💯
They killed Victory shortly after it came out. I was planning on buying a V92C. But it still had a few issues, so I thought I would wait a couple of years and hope they got it right. That's not what happened. They dropped it, and came out with that awful Vegas, and it was all downhill from there. Then they brought in the Ness Mess, and that finished them off. It took a while, they had time to go back and get things right, but they stayed on the wrong road, and it went to nowhere. Then when they finally came out with Indian in 2014, it looked like they got it right, except for the "1901" on the engine. That company went out of business in 1954. They should have never tried to make any connection to the real Indian company, other than the styling, which they got right to begin with. I wanted a bright red Chief, but it was out of my price range at the time. Sadly, those beautiful original Polaris Indian models, with the big Indian fenders, bright red paint, and tons of chrome, didn't last. They went the wrong way again. The Indian brand is now nothing but a bunch of flat black garbage. Gone are all the things that made the first models so beautiful. Polaris has now failed twice. They got it right with Victory to begin with, then messed up right away. Then they turned around and did the same thing with Indian. They need to stick to building snowmobiles. Just PLEASE no more flat black.
Yeah brother totally agree , I owned a Victory highball and loved it. I sold it just before polaris pulled the plug on em. I would purchase another Victory over an Indian anytime.
Just bought a 2006 vegas was skeptical first I did not know if patts were available second not sure if service was still available but so far not so bad it's sad they were discontinued i really like this machine it's like part.of the family
A week b4 Christmas i bought a 2019 indian chieftain. I love the look of the thunderstroke. However if they still made victory. Im not sure sure. I do love how the victory engine looks. Im 30 years old, this is my 1st bagger. I think baggers(without trunks) are the best looking bikes. I know most people my age disagree with me.
I never considered Victory. October 2023 I sat on a 2014 VCCT only 11k miles on it and immediately wanted and bought it. Absolutely more comfortable than Road Glide, Ultra, Classic Harley. I sat in the bike, not on top. My FXR Custom is my favorite around town ripper. For long hauls nothing more comfortable for me.
Had a Victory Vegas... such a great bike but I could not find parts for it. I needed a speed sensor and found some random guy to make one for $200 bucks. Decided to let it go..
The vegas 8ball is the best victory, I am bias because I have one it is stock with stage 2 exhaust, I think victory would still sell as a 2nd option to Indian for their style alone causes people to stop and stare.... They are awsome
I road a Victory in the early 2000s. Victory's were clean. A little too clean. I think that was their shortcoming. Cruiser guys want something that looks rebellious. Victory's look sophisticated. I believe that's what discontinued the VTX also. Also the VTX was the worst sounding Vtwin. It was like bologna mud flaps being pummeled by a mechanical bull.
So i know that last 5 years victory was in business, it only made profit 3 out of 5. The indian sold substantially better, so its a no brainer unfortunately
My Victory Magnum is still more stylish as a 10 year old bike than any 2024 Harley or Indian. Victory managed to give you a product, that did not look like the same mundane bike Harley/Indian have been pushing down our throats for years.
Market wouldn’t support three lines. Polaris was right to minimize the confusion, but they should have kept some of those Victory styles. Now the Indian bikes look way too generic. They started with strong style design, but now they are pretty plain looking.
They didn't stop making them, they changed the name. There is just as much of a difference between a 2010 harley limited to 2021 harley limited as the 2010 cross country and 2021 pursuit. What Polaris did was pretty smart. The people buying a Polaris "Indian" believing its in some way related to the Indian motorcycle company are not so smart. A Kawasaki drifter is just as much an Indian motorcycle as a Polaris Chieftain.
Victories were great but you cant run a high dollar business when you make yourself competition… you can see the styling cues from Victory on Indian especially with the Scout… also with HD having the biggest market share it makes sense to go with Indian as a competitor as Victory was not really as competitive in the market… it is not all lost with Victory as Polaris gained lots of experience anf with Indian is delivering reliable and high quality products… in a positive way I would refer to Indian as the new Victory… Polaris cant go back to making Victory’s under the Indian name as it would water down the name brand… Indian is not born out of the Ashes but like a butterfly developed into something more beautiful… with a history of solid motorcycle manufacturing and an iconic brand name… what more do the customers (and the shareholders) want?!… at the end it is a business that needs to survive and grow…
Yes victory would’ve been killing Indian probably Harley too with their 60k bikes now lol if they would kept their price point at 20k they would’ve been killing it rn
vic started 98 not 99. they failed because they tryed to win over harley guys instead of carving out their own groove. i love me 2 vics best american bike made until challenger u may not like the style but u can argue the engineering
the so called scout is just a victory octane with a different name....no one cared when it was a victory but now that an indian it went fire...didint like it then ,dont like now. it prefer the scout to be a long stroke push rod engine. the current setup is powerfull and all but its not my cup of tea
Truth to currently ripping off Harley . Buy the right to use an old name faking heritage ? Trendy stupid defines the customers and it's all about profit.
Appreciate the shout out in the video. Been a JMG fan for a few years now. The bikes I've had since that covid scare you mentioned are as follows...Lets see...in order...
2006 Victory Jackpot (thought this was exactly what I wanted. It was for a minute)
1985 Honda 700 Magna (to teach my boys how to ride)
2008 Yamaha vstar 1300 (like the floorboards and windshield for longer rides)
2012 Victory cross country (liked the fairing, bags, cruise control and abs)
2006 Suzuki M109R (too good of a deal to pass up and always liked them)
2008 Yamaha Stratoliner (too good of a deal to pass up and always wanted to try one)
2014 Victory Cross country tour (good deal, everything Ioved about the cross country plus a trunk, heated seat, heated grips and hard lowers)
2015 Yamaha FJR (wanted something fast and realized I didn't really need the trunk and all the stuff on the big bike)
2013 Victory cross country (the FJR was a blast but I could not get comfortable on it so went back to what I know best)
i’ve had a few of those bikes m109r cross country. fjr which o agree uncomfortable but i traded to k1600
@@109rfan1 k1600 nice bike
My man! I got your email (will reply soon). Thanks again for the support and for inspiring this topic. Seems to strike a chord with many. 🤙💯
I bought a used, low mileage Victory Vision Tour 4 1/2 years ago after surviving a nearly fatal case of Stage 4 Liver Cancer. I was 65 years old at the time and had not touched a motorcycle since my 20's. I still own it and it has been faithful and dependable friend. It got me through what I call "PCSB" (Post Cancer Stress Brain). Muscling that beast around brought back my strength and stamina. Being rather tall at 6'4"+ and stout at 280lbs it fit me perfectly at the time. I needed to do no mods to make it comfortable and have ridden it for everything from work commutes to trips to Sturgis. I even put a skid plate underneath it to protect it better when I have had to ride off pavement with it. Yes, I have ridden off road with it and never had it go down. The Vision still looks as good as the day I bought it. I have decided this year to buy an ADV motorcycle, since I have need for a more versatile and lighter motorcycle and the Vision will be sold. I would keep it if I could, but lack sufficient space in my garage for two motorcycles since my wife and son also have motorcycles. I have been offered very good prices for my Vic and they are still in demand up here in SD. It is a a painful parting, and like a first love will never be forgotten, but life moves on. Polaris did good with the Victory and I am thankful for it. If I ever get another big V-twin, it will likely be an Indian!
Happy to hear you're still enjoying two wheels after a scare like that! 💯
I have had three victory cross country’s, currently have a 15 cross country with motor work. Love this platform. Rode over 180k on victory cross country’s and never had an issue, brakes oil changes and spark plugs.
Victorys were the wise man’s Harleys.
Duuuude, there’s that skater guy I fell in love with!
I have an 07 Jackpot & love it. Only thing replaced was the starter 2yrs ago, rest is just regular maintenance. I’m coming up on 100,000 miles this summer. We don’t have the weather to ride all year round living in Canada.
I truly believe the Indian Pursuit and Challenger used the styling of the Victory Cross platform.
If you think those are similar. Compare a scout to an octane…
Yes one can see some Victory DNA in these models, especially the Power Plus 108 motor which probably would have been the new motor for the Victory line up had they continued. I do see more Harley type styling in the bags. The Victory Cross Country (I own a 2014 Cross Country - Havasu Red) and Cross Country Tour had more saddlebag storage and tourer pack storage than any other motorcycle and very distinct styling. I remember when I bought mine in 2017 and all my Harley buddies called it a Jetson Bike, although I think that term really applies to the Victory Vision.
@@cbrippee the 108 power plus was already built and tested by 2016. Yes it was the next motor for the cross country.
Long story short, the Challenger is the evolution of the late design of the Victory, it just got put aside while Polaris established the Indian brand in the market.
I'd love to see Victory make a comeback..... Without compromising Indian
I had a 2012 Cross Country Tour and it was far and away the best bike I have ever had. With the trunk off I thought the Vision was one sexy bike. Easy to work on and very reliable, great handling and super comfy. They could have kept it, like Chevy and Cadillac.
Hi there! I am Sebastian from Singapore and just got myself the Victory Vegas Highball 2015. Awesome bike to ride and just love the styling! Apart from this, i do own a 2022 Road Glide Special and a Vespa as well.
My first bike was a victory and I loved it. Had a kingpin. Still miss it
I still own a 2007 Victory Kingpin. I bought it new and loved it. I still have it and though I am in my 70's can still do a 1500 km in one day. Do I love it...YES! The problem that I have is this. I have no problem with Victory. The problem that I have is with Polaris. Thet literally dumped it for Indian and expected Victory riders to go with the program...NOT! I noticed that Polaris was building according to the planned obselescence concept...in other words, make it next to impossible to acquire replacement parts and don't offer the sale of the brand. I also own a 1970 Meridan factory Triumph Bonneville and I can still buy parts at a reasonable cost. I mean EVERYTHING. The point is this...keep the passion alive. Don't drive the name completely out of existence. I will NEVER buy an Indian. Thet may be great bikes, but they are not my bike.
I feel the same way. They could have kept a victory type model so we could still get parts for our bikes. I own a 2015 Gunner.
Was looking for a bagger last year and it was between an Indian and the Victory. Ended up with a Cheiftan because someone said with Victory no longer in production might be getting harder to find parts in the future.
Will stop making parts 2027 for the victory
Back in 2017 I visited a Victory dealership that was 45 miles from home. The owner had one more bike on his showroom floor, which was a new 2016 Hammer S. That bike just felt right as I sat on it, and after I did some research decided to make the dealership an offer...which they accepted. It's currently my only bike and I don't have any plans to sell it. I ride it about once a week and its a wonderful machine.
There was always space for Victory, Indian, and Harley. There are several reasons why Polaris dropped Victory according to them (dealerships) and I think it left a hole and Indian/Polaris realized it. They filled it with Challenger and FTR. Additionally, the new Sport Chief is more similar to the Victory Hammer S than any of the Indian models. They probably won't ever brand anything Victory again but I'm betting on more bikes with the new Power Plus 108 motor which is an upgraded Freedom 106. Feels, rides, and sounds the same. Only better. Lovey two Vics and just bought a Sport Chief. Also a Polaris/Indian tech. I do wish they would bring them back however.
Thanks for the insights, brother! 🤙💯
My first bike was 07 Hammer with the 100, traded it in back in September for a 16 Road Glide Ultra. I miss it, such a blast to ride and it never stopped pulling, but it definitely wasn't as comfortable to ride as the Road Glide is. I had my eye on a 16 Magnum, the weekend I was going to go look at it (and probably come home with it), it sold that Friday.
@@DeathHead1358My first Vic was a '16 Magnum X1 Stealth and is still my favorite bike. I've done lots of upgrades to it and I'll never part with it. I also have a 16 Vision. She's not the prettiest girl but that big girl is the best long haul bike I've ever had. Got them both used with low milage for low cost. Only positive about Victory being cancelled.
I bought a new 2000 Sport Cruiser , had a guy named Jerry Peterson at North Star Cycles , he was on the design team , he built all the proto type exhaust systems , he put in a 2003 complete transmission , and Stage 4 with the motor , said he removed almost 10 pounds of rotating mass off the Crank , spins to 6450 rpm’s now , 112 hp , 118 ftlbs of torque on the Dyno , handles like it was Rails ! All the good stuff , from the factory , Brembo brakes , dual up front , 50 mm / 2 inch forks , rear Fox racing shock / rebuildable , but it’s the 17 inch rims front and back , with crotch rocket tires on it that makes it corner , Jerry also raised my foot pegs 1 inch and moved them forward 2 inches , now my shift pattern is backwards , 1 up , 4 down , 1/8 inch of chicken strips on the tires , but the pegs are dragging and floating , on Rails ! Motor was all machine work , P.S. Burgandy Kandy with ghost flames , rims and rotors paint to match
Hell yeah. A shame for sure. I bought my '06 Vegas 8-Ball in 2016 (amidst the sad news of it's discontinuation; I didn't back down!) after starting on a Shadow Spirit 750. Was a healthy and fun upgrade! I rode that for 7 years almost. Was a beautiful and fun bike even at only 100ci and 1600+ cc at the time. The '08 I believe is when they Vegas started coming standard with 6 speed instead of the 5 speed too. The Vegas 8-Ball will forever be a special bike for me in my journey of riding. Looking to get into Harley now and not looking back. If Polaris had not bought Indian who knows, maybe they would've focused more on their marketing and management of Victory. A boy can dream! I probably would've kept my Victory longer if they had kept the brand alive. The only issues you start to run into are lack of OEM parts. Aftermarket can be fine just don't get that crappy Chinese parts. Sad as you can't really do anything now with them computer wise as there are no more Victory dealers after their demise.. Otherwise, I MIGHT'VE kept mine.. But, it was a glorious and long 7 years with mine. So thankful it was first major bike too. So unique and I made it might own by customizing it and blacking it out. Always got compliments and always ALWAYS got questions of "Oh what's that?" or "Is that a VICTORY?" as mine had no badges so it was super sleek..
Thanks man! Hope you enjoyed Victory some too.
I own a 2009 Vision Tour and I really enjoy how this bike rides and handles. I wish that Polaris would either allow another company to make the Victory line or launch the Victory themselves again. I really love the Victory line especially the Vision Tour.
Had a 2017 victory Magnum put 39,000 miles on it never skipped a beat . Also had a 09 hammer and that was pretty much the same …. bulletproof.
I have a 21 challenger now 23 sport chief, and an 23 FTR coming in the spring, on lay away . I’ve had Hondas Harleys and everything. I guess I’m a Polaris fanboy. 😂😂😂
Nice collection! 💯
Hi Tony here from the UK, owned loads of different bikes took a text ride on a black hammer back in 2009 been riding Victorys ever since now on my second jackpot also a member of v.o.c uk there's still a lot of people who understand what victory is about if I had to explain you wouldn't understand 😂 big shout out to all victory riders 👍
I saw Victory bikes for the first time at the Arlen Ness shop in Dublin and right then and there I knew I had to have one. I have had a love affair with Victory ever since I am on my sixth one now a 2009 Victory Vision. Some of the best bikes ever made.
It was Ness that destroyed Victory.
I think it was a case where Victory just couldn't carve out a big enough piece of the cruiser market, a lot of the issue being too small of a dealer network and an unknown name. Polaris getting the Indian brand was a really good thing, finally saving an old company name that had been being put on all sorts of crap bikes since the 50's, and polaris has really heavily invested in Indian to where they have a better chance in the market. Our shop sold a lot of Victory bikes and we still support them, parts are still available and we still can service and repair them, we haven't abandoned the line. The indian bikes are very solid and well built and the styling is surprisingly good for making their own brand identity, something Victory had trouble with.
Victory bikes are also built better and bigger space wise I fit better being a bigger guy on a victory then a harley I had a 2018 road glide my 2014 cross country is a more comfortable bike to ride I have more leg room to stretch out
I do think victory has a place in rhe market they would have been a great option for a lower trim level version of the indiansb
Hey there, its May 2024 and id love to own a Victory and I see there is no end to aftermarket parts.
I think there was "room" for Victory to keep going. I'm a harley "fan boy" but I loved the victory bikes when they were still in production, hopefully polaris figures it out.
I was the opposite. I didnt like Victory when they were available. I do appreciate them now though. I wish i was more open minded back then.
I despise the Harley brand, for what they did to their customers and potential customers in the '90s, and what they did to their bikes in the 2000s. But I love the bikes they used to make. I have a 1989 FXRS Low Rider, and a 1997 Sportster 1200. Both carbureted, both with the EVO engine, and both with lots of bright shiny paint, aluminum, and tons of chrome. Today's smooth, quiet, computerized, flat black garbage is not for me.
New subscriber and I'm loving the subscriber bike features and your (successful?) attempts to refresh the kick-flip skills!
Haha! Thanks, man! I'm gonna shelf the kick flip for a bit 🤣. The mind thinks I still have it, 💯🤙but the legs aren't feeling it.
Polaris saw the Indian name and knew they were buying history and heritage. Victory had none of that. They figured that given Indian's history, they'd sell better. I've not ridden a Victory and never like the styling of them. I do like the Indian styling and am a big fan of the Roadmaster and Roadmaster Dark Horse. I currently have two bikes, both Yamahas. I have a 2007 Royal Star Tour Deluxe and a 2000 Royal Star Venture I bought last June 2023 that had been parked in the previous owner's garage about 4 years after he bought it new and started having health problems. The bike had 8,000 miles on it so I figured, "Why not?" it's in showroom new condition. My next bike will be an Indian.
I've had a few royal stars in my day. One of the best kept secrets in my opinion. A ton of bike for the money for ultra touring comfort. 🤙💯
@@JonsMotoGarageYes, I agree, that's why I bought a second one instead of an Indian. And, they sound REEEEElY good with a set of 4.5 megaphone slip ons. I've ridden my Tour Deluxe up and down the East Coast, approaching 90k miles on her. 90k of pure reliability and never stranding me.
Victory was better bike
I owned a 2014 le classic but I traded that for a 22 sup chief. Harley davidson led me to victory. Victory motorcycles made the hd brand up their game.
Victory had cool bikes like the octane and Vegas and the 8 ball.
I think Indian wouldn't be as popular if Victory we're still being around. A good portion of the Indians technology came from the Victory brand. Obviously the newer Scouts are direct descendents of the Octane
The "Indian" branded motorcycle from Polaris wouldn't exist if the Victory wasn't a failure. The early Victorys were garbage. And the Vision was ugly. People care more about image than a perfect motorcycle.
@@guysmiley8473 Yes I agree with that but Victory was also competing with a lot of well-known companies, American and Japanese not to mention the whole chopper kick that many were watching on TV. When comparing the new bikes coming out to the older Victory line, they're pulling a lot of their features in that direction. A lot of the newer bikes have the same curves and lines and clean style like the Victory's. had. For whatever reason Harley still can't seem to streamline the tank down through the seat and have their saddlebags flow with their fenders.
Victory would have also grown in engine size like all the companies of today are doing. In my opinion their bikes would have gotten better
Triumph Rocket bro.. was and still is the biggest capacity engine motorcycle, as far as I know.. would love to see you do a video on the new models .. Aussie fan out ..🎤🇦🇺🤙
I always forget about the rocket! 💯🤙
I have a 2013 rocket, it's ridiculous, I love to ride it.
@jimbranscomb4350 the rocket is still on my short list of dream bikes to try out🤙💯
Not a V-twin though so doesnt count in my eyes, think the biggest was the Kawasaki VN2000.
@@jamesw5713yes!!! That thing was a beast!
I have a 2017 Cross country tour and it is the most comfortable bike i have ever rode , and i had Kawasaki Vulcan, Honda Aero, Harley Duce , and the Victory you can ride all day and not even think about comfort, and Power is Great. Ride 1 and you will own 1.
🤙💯
I have the same 2013 Victory Cross Country (including color), I haven't made any changes to the bike, other than getting an oil change. I LOVE this bike, [Comfortable, reliable, good looking, etc)
I love the dual front brake rotors hammer 106 post 2011(granny upgrade ) Would like to see Indian introduce something to compete with Harley Eliminator.
During that time, the VN2000 was the largest production motorcycle.
Held that title until triumph released the (roughly) 2.5 liter rocket 3.
JMG is back!
Bro u just named all the legendary big vtwins back in the day in one go 😳
Haha! Those muscle/performance vtwins were my bread and butter back in the day (mostly the metrics).
I have a 2017 Cross Country Tour and has Kawasaki, Honda, and yes a Harley and this is the most comfortable for long rides with all the extras, vents, heat and kicking radio and most of all the power , for a 900 lb bike it moves, . I love it had since new when price dropped, Ride it like you stole it.
I am not into cruisers but Victorys were getting interesting. The HD crowd claims to be about unique individualism but the bikes and uniforms usually worn all look the same. Victory made some really unique bikes. Glad you are getting over kungflu. It hurt and killed many who I know. I never got it myself, and I am and always will be unvacced.
i bought a new indian scout2022 and my indian dealer said victory bikes are hard for parts except the engine parts not sure if thats true im not in the states im in new zealand i do see some on the road but not alot
I had a Vic XC with close to 100k on the clock. I had ZERO problems with it. Loved that bike.
3 Victories. 03 V92c Custom, 2007 Kingpin Tour, and a 2009 Hammer
Bought a used Victory Judge in Nuclear sunset orange 6 months ago, loving it!!
The only reason that Indian stopped selling Victory Models is because the Indian Models were selling much better. They had planned to continue both or wind down Victory over a longer period of time.
Why did Harley Davidson spend $116 Million to close the New Buell Factory in WI ?
Brought my 09 vic vision in 2019 done 30k miles since then and never had a better bike. Take the tour pack off and it's a good looking bagger. Bring back Victory 💯
VN2000 was the largest I have seen. (and owned) Valkyrie was 1500, then the later model was 1800...
Yo! Good to see an OG! I've yet to get my hands on the vn2000. One of the few that had eluded me.all these years.
5:02 Stunning cruiser. Nick
I had a 2008 Victory 8-ball loved it 😊
Bought a 2012 victory vegas…
Still own it, love it , will keep it forever….
They killed Victory shortly after it came out. I was planning on buying a V92C. But it still had a few issues, so I thought I would wait a couple of years and hope they got it right. That's not what happened. They dropped it, and came out with that awful Vegas, and it was all downhill from there. Then they brought in the Ness Mess, and that finished them off. It took a while, they had time to go back and get things right, but they stayed on the wrong road, and it went to nowhere. Then when they finally came out with Indian in 2014, it looked like they got it right, except for the "1901" on the engine. That company went out of business in 1954. They should have never tried to make any connection to the real Indian company, other than the styling, which they got right to begin with. I wanted a bright red Chief, but it was out of my price range at the time. Sadly, those beautiful original Polaris Indian models, with the big Indian fenders, bright red paint, and tons of chrome, didn't last. They went the wrong way again. The Indian brand is now nothing but a bunch of flat black garbage. Gone are all the things that made the first models so beautiful. Polaris has now failed twice. They got it right with Victory to begin with, then messed up right away. Then they turned around and did the same thing with Indian. They need to stick to building snowmobiles. Just PLEASE no more flat black.
Debateble
Yeah brother totally agree , I owned a Victory highball and loved it. I sold it just before polaris pulled the plug on em. I would purchase another Victory over an Indian anytime.
Just bought a 2006 vegas was skeptical first I did not know if patts were available second not sure if service was still available but so far not so bad it's sad they were discontinued i really like this machine it's like part.of the family
Ya first view I love victory bikes I have cross country
Largest v twin at the time I believe was the Kawasaki Vulcan 2000
A week b4 Christmas i bought a 2019 indian chieftain. I love the look of the thunderstroke. However if they still made victory. Im not sure sure. I do love how the victory engine looks. Im 30 years old, this is my 1st bagger. I think baggers(without trunks) are the best looking bikes. I know most people my age disagree with me.
The vulcan 2000 was the biggest production motor at that time.
I think the Vulcan 2000 didn't go into production until 2004.
@@JonsMotoGarage yes, and it was the largest production motorcycle engine until the triumph rocket 3 which started at 2300, and now stands at 2500.
But the rocket 3 is a 3 cylinder bike. So to me it's in a class all by itself. The other bikes are vtwin. So not the same.
The sales numbers weren't there to sustain production. Really simple business math. Nice looking motorcycles. Sad to see them discontinue the line.
I never considered Victory. October 2023 I sat on a 2014 VCCT only 11k miles on it and immediately wanted and bought it. Absolutely more comfortable than Road Glide, Ultra, Classic Harley. I sat in the bike, not on top. My FXR Custom is my favorite around town ripper. For long hauls nothing more comfortable for me.
Had a Victory Vegas... such a great bike but I could not find parts for it. I needed a speed sensor and found some random guy to make one for $200 bucks. Decided to let it go..
This man knows his bikes.😊
I own one victory jackpot 2009 love it but to small.
The vegas 8ball is the best victory, I am bias because I have one it is stock with stage 2 exhaust, I think victory would still sell as a 2nd option to Indian for their style alone causes people to stop and stare.... They are awsome
I road a Victory in the early 2000s. Victory's were clean. A little too clean. I think that was their shortcoming. Cruiser guys want something that looks rebellious. Victory's look sophisticated. I believe that's what discontinued the VTX also. Also the VTX was the worst sounding Vtwin. It was like bologna mud flaps being pummeled by a mechanical bull.
Still have my 2005 Hammer. Love it.
I have the vision all stock. Most comfortable and sexy lines. Power out of the box..
I had a V92C and King Pin Cool bikes
OG victory rider! Awesome! 🤙💯
So i know that last 5 years victory was in business, it only made profit 3 out of 5. The indian sold substantially better, so its a no brainer unfortunately
My Victory Magnum is still more stylish as a 10 year old bike than any 2024 Harley or Indian. Victory managed to give you a product, that did not look like the same mundane bike Harley/Indian have been pushing down our throats for years.
Market wouldn’t support three lines. Polaris was right to minimize the confusion, but they should have kept some of those Victory styles. Now the Indian bikes look way too generic. They started with strong style design, but now they are pretty plain looking.
They didn't stop making them, they changed the name. There is just as much of a difference between a 2010 harley limited to 2021 harley limited as the 2010 cross country and 2021 pursuit. What Polaris did was pretty smart. The people buying a Polaris "Indian" believing its in some way related to the Indian motorcycle company are not so smart. A Kawasaki drifter is just as much an Indian motorcycle as a Polaris Chieftain.
The thunder stroke motor is nothing like the victory 106
Victories were great but you cant run a high dollar business when you make yourself competition… you can see the styling cues from Victory on Indian especially with the Scout… also with HD having the biggest market share it makes sense to go with Indian as a competitor as Victory was not really as competitive in the market… it is not all lost with Victory as Polaris gained lots of experience anf with Indian is delivering reliable and high quality products… in a positive way I would refer to Indian as the new Victory… Polaris cant go back to making Victory’s under the Indian name as it would water down the name brand… Indian is not born out of the Ashes but like a butterfly developed into something more beautiful… with a history of solid motorcycle manufacturing and an iconic brand name… what more do the customers (and the shareholders) want?!… at the end it is a business that needs to survive and grow…
I think that if they had kept it, it will be a choice for the younger crowd
Yes there is room for all
I Love it talk that ish Mr Moto
Always my favorite bike … victory cross country!
Yes ,but the surviving bikes are so good they will become bike icons,get one of you can!😇😇😇😇😇😇😇😇
vulcan 2000 was and still the biggest
Best bike ever built
Awesome
When it comes down to it, they could not compete with Harley…….
Polaris is focused more on selling reverse trikes to Harley-hating geezers.
There is no Harley that looks like the Indian scout whatsoever. So I can say Indian did not rip off Harley with that bike😊
Yes victory would’ve been killing Indian probably Harley too with their 60k bikes now lol if they would kept their price point at 20k they would’ve been killing it rn
Have yall seen a victory jackpot? Insanely ugly and now they are dirt cheap.
I loved my cross countrys
vic started 98 not 99. they failed because they tryed to win over harley guys instead of carving out their own groove. i love me 2 vics best american bike made until challenger u may not like the style but u can argue the engineering
victory never made a profit which is why they axed them after indian was a big hit
the so called scout is just a victory octane with a different name....no one cared when it was a victory but now that an indian it went fire...didint like it then ,dont like now. it prefer the scout to be a long stroke push rod engine. the current setup is powerfull and all but its not my cup of tea
Truth to currently ripping off Harley . Buy the right to use an old name faking heritage ? Trendy stupid defines the customers and it's all about profit.
That cross country is so ugly it could almost be a harley.
I mean Harley copied Indian with the new cvos
victorys sck no offence
Victory had great bikes at a very decent price compared to HD and recent Indian's. If Victory was still making them, i'd have one for sure.